Mark transfer tool and mark transfer tape

ABSTRACT

A mark transfer tool making use of a coat film transfer technology about various marks composed of characters, codes, patterns or their combination. A mark transfer tape is composed of pressure-sensitive adhesive transfer marks disposed and held on the surface of a base tape continuously and peelably at specific intervals. Therefore, various marks can be used in a completely different method from the conventional mode of impressing use in the form of a stamp or adhering use in the form of a mark seal and the like, so that diversified preferences of general users can be satisfied effectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a mark transfer tool and a marktransfer tape, and more particularly to a mark transfer technology fortransferring a transfer mark in a thin film composed of characters,codes, patterns or their combination arranged and formed on a marktransfer tape, to a sheet of paper or the like.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Generally, various marks composed of characters, codes, patternsor their combination are prepared as stamps and impressed on a sheet ofpaper or other object surface through ink, or prepared as mark seals andadhered to a sheet of paper or the like.

[0005] In the background of the recent technical innovation anddiversification of users' preferences, widening of product variety isneeded in various technical fields, and such trend is not exceptional inthe stationery field handling various marks.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is hence a primary object of the invention to present a novelmark transfer tool and mark transfer tape solving the problems of theprior art.

[0007] It is other object of the invention to present a novel marktransfer technology completely different from the conventional markusing technology, about various marks composed of characters, codes,patterns or their combination, by making use of coat film transfertechnology.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to present a mark transfertool effectively applicable to diversified preferences of general users,by employing a method of transferring a transfer mark on a mark transfertape on a sheet of paper or the like.

[0009] It is a further object of the invention to present a marktransfer tool using the transfer mark composed of various marks andblank spaces for overwriting, in which various characters can be writtenover by a writing tool in the blank spaces for overwriting aftertransfer of transfer marks.

[0010] A mark transfer tool of the invention comprises a hand-held case,a pay-out reel containing a mark transfer tape, being rotatablyinstalled in the case, a take-up reel for collecting the used marktransfer tape, being rotatably installed in the case, and a transferhead for pressing and transferring the mark transfer tape being paid outfrom the pay-out reel onto the transfer area, being disposed at theleading end of the case, in which the mark transfer tape haspressure-sensitive adhesive transfer marks disposed and heldcontinuously at specific intervals peelably on the surface of a basetape.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the transfer mark is either composed ofmarks alone, or composed of marks and blank spaces for overwriting, andin the latter case, at least, the surface forming portion of blankspaces for overwriting is made of a material allowing overwriting by awriting tool.

[0012] The basic composition of operation of the mark transfer tool iseither a refill type of a tape cartridge comprising at least the pay-outreel and take-up reel detachably disposed in the case so that the marktransfer tape may be exchanged, or a onetime or disposable type havingthe pay-out reel and take-up reel disposed in the case, with thetransfer head provided at the leading end of the case.

[0013] The mark transfer tape of the invention is preferably disposedand used in the mark transfer tool, in which pressure-sensitive adhesivetransfer marks are disposed and held continuously at specific intervalspeelably on the surface of a base tape.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the mark transfer tape of theinvention is composed of a transfer mark layer comprising multipletransfer marks adhered and held to the surface side of the base tape ofwhich back side is processed to be peelable, peelably or peelably anddetachably in pieces, and more specifically the following laminationstructure is employed.

[0015] i) The transfer mark layer is composed by integrally laminating apressure-sensitive adhesive layer composed of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive transparent material, and a mark array layer composed ofmultiple marks arranged continuously at specific intervals in therunning direction of the base tape, and this transfer mark layer isadhered and held on the peelably processed surface of the base tapepeelably and detachably in pieces through the pressure-sensitiveadhesive layer.

[0016] ii) The transfer mark layer is composed by integrally laminatinga mark forming layer composed of an adhesive transparent material, amark array layer composed of multiple marks arranged continuously atspecific intervals in the running direction of the base tape, and apressure-sensitive adhesive layer composed of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive transparent material, and this transfer mark layer is adheredand held on the peelably processed surface of the base tape peelably anddetachably in pieces through the mark forming layer.

[0017] iii) The transfer mark layer is composed by integrally laminatinga mark array layer composed of multiple marks arranged continuously atspecific intervals in the running direction of the base tape, and apressure-sensitive adhesive layer composed of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive transparent material, and this transfer mark layer is adheredand held on the peelably processed surface of the base tape peelably anddetachably in pieces through the mark array layer.

[0018] iv) The transfer mark layer is composed by integrally laminatinga mark array layer composed of multiple marks arranged continuously atspecific intervals in the running direction of the base tape, and apressure-sensitive adhesive layer composed of a pressure-sensitiveadhesive transparent material, and this transfer mark layer is adheredand held on the adhesively processed surface of the base tape peelablyand detachably in pieces through the mark array layer.

[0019] Further, the transfer mark is either composed of marks alone, orcomposed of marks and blank spaces for overwriting, and in the lattercase, the surface forming portion of the blank spaces for overwriting ismade of a material allowing overwriting by a writing tool.

[0020] To transfer the transfer mark on the mark transfer tape on adesired transfer area of a sheet of paper by the mark transfer tool ofthe invention, the case is held by hand, the leading end pressingportion of the transfer head is pressed tightly to the transfer area,and the case is moved along the sheet of paper in this state, so thatthe transfer mark is transferred on the transfer area. The used marktransfer tape after the transfer mark is separated, that is, the basetape is taken up and collected on the take-up reel.

[0021] Further, in the case of the transfer mark composed of marks andblank spaces for overwriting, after transfer, anything can beoverwritten by a writing tool on the blank space for overwriting.

[0022] These and other objects and features of the invention will bemore clearly understood by reading the following detailed descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and novel factsdisclosed in the claims thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mark transfer tool inembodiment 1 of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of a case main body ofthe mark transfer tool.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the mark transfer tool.

[0026]FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing essential parts of transferhead of the mark transfer tool.

[0027]FIG. 4B is a plan showing essential parts of transfer head of themark transfer tool.

[0028]FIG. 5A is a plan of mark transfer tool of the mark transfer tool,showing a partially cut-away view of the mark transfer tape in themanufacturing process.

[0029]FIG. 5B is a sectional view along line V-V in FIG. 5A of the marktransfer tape.

[0030]FIG. 5C is a sectional view showing a peeling state of base tapeand transfer mark layer of the mark transfer tape.

[0031] FIGS. 6A-6C are magnified front views showing a partial sectionof rotating structure of transfer head for the mark transfer toolrespectively.

[0032]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of state of use of the mark transfertool, showing a state of use of lateral pull by the right hand.

[0033]FIG. 7B is a perspective view of state of use of the mark transfertool, showing a state of use of lateral pull by the left hand.

[0034]FIG. 7C is a perspective view of state of use of the mark transfertool, showing a state of use of vertical pull by the right hand.

[0035]FIG. 8A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 2 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0036]FIG. 8B is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 8A of themark transfer tape.

[0037]FIG. 8C is a sectional view showing a peeling state of base tapeand transfer mark layer of the mark transfer tape.

[0038]FIG. 9A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 3 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0039]FIG. 9B is a sectional view along line IX-IX in FIG. 9A of themark transfer tape.

[0040]FIG. 9C is a sectional view showing the pressing width of theleading end pressing portion of the transfer head of the mark transfertool in relation to the mark transfer tape.

[0041]FIG. 10A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 4 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0042]FIG. 10B is a sectional view along line X-X in FIG. 10A of themark transfer tape.

[0043]FIG. 10C is a sectional view showing the pressing width of theleading end pressing portion of the transfer head of the mark transfertool in relation to the mark transfer tape.

[0044]FIG. 11A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 5 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0045]FIG. 11B is a magnified plan of transfer mark of the mark transfertape.

[0046]FIG. 11C is a sectional view along line XI-XI in FIG. 11A.

[0047]FIG. 12A is a perspective view showing overwriting state bywriting tool after transfer mark of the mark transfer tool.

[0048]FIG. 12B is a plan showing a modified example of the transfermark.

[0049]FIG. 12C is a plan showing other modified example of the transfermark.

[0050]FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 6 of the invention.

[0051]FIG. 14A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 7 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0052]FIG. 14B is a sectional view along line XIV-XIV in FIG. 14A of themark transfer tape.

[0053]FIG. 14C is a sectional view showing a peeling state of base tapeand transfer mark layer of the mark transfer tape.

[0054]FIG. 15A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 8 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0055]FIG. 15B is a sectional view along line XV-XV in FIG. 15A of themark transfer tape.

[0056]FIG. 15C is a sectional view showing a peeling state of base tapeand transfer mark layer of the mark transfer tape.

[0057]FIG. 16A is a plan of mark transfer tool of a mark transfer toolaccording to embodiment 9 of the invention, showing a partially cut-awayview of the mark transfer tape in the manufacturing process.

[0058]FIG. 16B is a sectional view along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 16A of themark transfer tape.

[0059]FIG. 16C is a sectional view showing a peeling state of base tapeand transfer mark layer of the mark transfer tape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Referring now to the drawings, preferred embodiments of theinvention are described in detail below.

[0061]FIG. 1 through FIGS. 14A-14C show the mark transfer tool accordingto the invention, and same reference numerals indicate same constituentmembers or elements throughout the entire drawings.

Embodiment 1

[0062] The mark transfer tool according to this embodiment is shown inFIG. 1 to FIGS. 7A-7C. This mark transfer tool 1 is, specifically, totransfer marks (in the shown embodiment, only a mark composed ofalphabetic letters “SEED”) M, M, . . . in a thin film composed ofcharacters, codes, patterns or their combination arranged and formed ona mark transfer tape T, to a sheet of paper or the like, and it is arefill type having a cartridge structure allowing to exchange the marktransfer tape T as a consumable part.

[0063] That is, the mark transfer tool 1 comprises a case 2 having anappearance as shown in FIG. 1, and a tape cartridge C having a transferhead H as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0064] The case 2 is held and manipulated by one hand, and is a flat boxhaving a front contour shape and dimension and width enough toincorporate the tape cartridge C, and its confronting pair of flat faceand back sides 2 a, 2 b are standard gripping sides when holding andmanipulating by one hand. The case 2 is a plastic structure integrallyformed by injection molding or the like, and a case main body 4 and acap body 5 are separate, and the tape cartridge C is detachably insertedin the case main body 4. At the leading end of the case 2, a headinserting portion 6 for inserting the transfer head H in and out isformed.

[0065] The tape cartridge C is an exchangeable consumable part. The tapecartridge C consists of a pay-out reel 11 on which a mark transfer tapeT is wound, and a rotatable take-up reel 12 for collecting the marktransfer tape T after use, which are rotatably installed in a cartridgecase 10, and further a transfer head H for pressing and transferring themark transfer tape to the transfer area is installed rotatably about thehead axial center.

[0066] Although not specifically shown in the drawing, the tapecartridge C further includes a tape interlocking unit for mutuallyinterlocking the pay-out reel 11 and take-up reel 12, a clutch mechanismfor synchronizing the pay-out speed and take-up speed of the marktransfer tape T in the pay-out reel 11 and take-up reel 12, and otherprincipal and basic components, which are assembled as a unit.

[0067] The cartridge case 10 is made of synthetic resin in a form of acartridge case for accommodating the both reels 11, 12, and its shapeand dimensions are set to be light weight and compact in a range ofhaving holding functions of both reels 11, 12, and more specifically itis a skeletal structure mainly composed of thin skeletal members.

[0068] The mark transfer tape T is to supply transfer marks M, M, . . .continuously, and pressure-sensitive adhesive transfer marks M, M, . . .are disposed and held on the surface of a base tape 15 continuously andpeelably at specified intervals.

[0069] In the shown embodiment, the mark transfer tape T has a sectionalstructure as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, and on the surface of the base tape15 (the lower side in FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C), a transfer mark layer 16composed of multiple transfer marks M, M, . . . is peelably adhered andheld. Since the drawings are intended to help understanding, they areschematic and magnified in the thickness direction, but actually themark transfer tape T is a thin film, and the boundary of layers is notso clear as illustrated.

[0070] The base tape 15 has its both face and back sides processed to bepeelable, that is, it is a film tape made of plastic or paper material,having the surface treated to be separable or peelable from the adjacentlayers or materials, and a non-stretchable flexible film is preferablyused.

[0071] The transfer mark layer 16 is a laminate structure integrallylaminating a mark forming layer 17, a mark array layer 18, and apressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19. The transfer mark layer 16 iscontinuous over the overall length of the base tape 15, that is, thetransfer marks M, M, . . . are continuously formed over the overalllength of the base tape 15, and are properly cut off by transferoperation of the transfer head H at the time of mark transfer.

[0072] Herein, required quality characteristics of the transfer marklayer 16 include, for example:

[0073] 1) Transfer performance: Ease of transfer on the transfer area atthe position of the transfer mark layer 16 pressed by the transfer headH;

[0074] 2) Cutting performance: Ease of transferring and cutting of thetransfer mark layer 16 only at the position thereof pressed by thetransfer head H (if the cutting performance of the transfer mark layer16 is poor, a part of the transfer mark layer 16 not intended to betransferred may be also transferred);

[0075] 3) Non-peeling performance: Hardness of peeling of transfer marklayer 16 from the transfer area;

[0076] 4) Writing performance: Ease of writing by writing tool such aspencil and ball-point pen on the transferred transfer mark layer 16;

[0077] 5) Aging stability: Fastness of ink written by the writing toolon the transferred transfer mark layer 16; and

[0078] 6) Smoothness: Smooth surface without undulation of the transfermark layer 16 after transfer.

[0079] In order to achieve these quality characteristics depending onthe purpose of the transfer mark layer 16, various blending compoundsare combined.

[0080] The mark forming layer 17 has a function of facilitatingformation (specifically printing) of the mark array layer 18, and afunction of adhering and holding the transfer mark layer 16 on thesurface of the base tape 15, and forms a surface layer of the transfermark M after transferred.

[0081] The mark forming layer 17 is made of an adhesive transparentmaterial. That is, the mark forming layer 17 is preferably made of atransparent see-through resin material of dry type suited to surfacelayer after parted, having a proper adhesion holding property on theparted surface of the base tape 15.

[0082] The mark forming layer 17 may be also made of synthetic resin ornatural resin, further may properly contains surface active agent, agingretarding agent, light stabilizer, filler for enhancing the writingperformance, etc. Usable examples of the synthetic resin or naturalresin include acrylic resin, vinyl resin, polyester resin, urethaneresin, epoxy resin, polyamide resin, olefin resin, rubber,styrene-butadiene copolymer, cellulose resin, cumarone resin, etc., andthey may be used either alone or in combination of two or more type forsatisfying the required quality characteristics.

[0083] The mark array layer 18 is composed of multiple marks M′, M′, M′,. . . (in the shown embodiment, only a mark composed of alphabeticletters SEED) arranged continuously and peelable at specific intervalsin the running direction of the base tape 15, and is specifically formedon the mark forming layer 17 by a known printing technology.

[0084] The printing method of the mark array layer 18 includes variousknown printing techniques, specifically, typographic (relief) printing,offset printing, gravure (intaglio) printing, silk screen printing,tampon printing and other traditional printing techniques, and alsoreverse roll coater, direct coater, other coaters, spray painting,electrostatic painting, pour painting, roller painting, immersionpainting, and further novel printing techniques such as laser printer,heat transfer, and ink jet printer systems, which may be properlyselected depending on the properties of the forming object area (in theshown case, the mark forming layer 17).

[0085] The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19 is used to press andadhere the transfer mark layer 16 to the transfer area, and to form asurface layer of mark transfer tape T before transfer, and thispressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19 is made of a pressure-sensitivetransparent material. That is, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19is preferably made of a transparent see-through adhesive material of drytype suited to a surface layer before parting, having apressure-sensitive adhesion to the transfer area.

[0086] The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19 is made of an adhesivecomponent, and may further contain adhesion regulator, aging retarder,or leveling agent properly. Usable adhesives include acrylic resin,rosin, rubber, vinyl ether, polyurethane, styrene, and polyisobutylene.

[0087] Such laminated transfer mark layer 16 is, as shown in FIGS.5A-5C, adhered and held on the surface (the lower side in FIG. 5B andFIG. 5C) of the base tape 15 processed for parting, peelably andseparably through the mark forming layer 17.

[0088] The mark transfer tape T in the shown embodiment is manufacturedas a band having a tape width corresponding to plural mark transfertapes T, T, . . . as shown in FIG. 5A, and cut and formed in a width ofone tape T by slitter or other cutting device.

[0089] According to a specific forming method of the transfer mark layer16, the mark forming layer 17 is applied and formed on the surface ofthe base tape 15, the mark array layer 18 is printed and formed on thesurface of the mark forming layer 17, and the pressure-sensitiveadhesive layer 19 is applied and formed thereon.

[0090] The transfer head H presses the mark transfer tape T to acorrection area on a sheet of paper, and it is disposed at the leadingend of the cartridge case 10, and has a function of guiding the marktransfer tape T and a function of pressing it.

[0091] A specific structure of the transfer head H comprises a head mainbody 30, a head holding portion 31 and a rotary operation portion 32,and is a so-called rotary head structure that the head main body 30 isheld rotatably about its axial center.

[0092] The head main body 30 is for pressing and transferring the marktransfer tape T, and is shaped to be suited to transfer accurately to adesired transfer position, that is, is shaped in a peak or pointed formof having a tip pointed in a certain measure.

[0093] The head main body 30 in the shown example is a thin plate havinga rectangular shape slightly wider than the mark transfer tape T, andhas a taper section, being pointed in a side view so as to be graduallythin toward the leading end.

[0094] The head main body 30 has flat both side surfaces 30 a, 30 b,which form tape running surfaces, and a leading edge 25 is a leading endpressing portion for pressing the mark transfer tape T as mentionedabove. This leading end pressing portion 25 is a straight edgeorthogonal to the tape running direction in the tape running surfaces 30a, 30 b. At both side edges of the head main body 30, guide flanges 33,33 are formed for guiding running of mark transfer tape T.

[0095] If the thickness of the plate for composing the head main body 30is relatively small, tapering as shown in the drawing is not alwaysnecessary, but the plate thickness may be uniform throughout thelongitudinal direction, and anyway the structure is not particularlyspecified as far as the leading end of the pressing portion 25 of thehead main body 30 has a thickness (a point) enough to position andindicate the transfer position accurately.

[0096] At the base end side portion of the head main body 30, further, aborne portion 35 is integrally formed as a main body support.

[0097] The head holding portion 31 supports the head main body 30rotatably about its axial center, and specifically comprises the borneportion 35 as the main body support, and a bearing portion 36 providedin the cartridge 10.

[0098] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the borne portion 35 is a cylindricalportion provided concentrically and integrally with the head main body30, and more specifically it is formed in an arc section having asetting opening 30 a of mark transfer tape T to the head main body 30 ina part thereof.

[0099] The bearing portion 36 is disposed integrally at the leading endportion of the cartridge case 10. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the bearingportion 36 is tubular having an inner circumference corresponding to theouter circumference of the borne portion 35, and same as the borneportion 35, it is formed in an arc section having a setting opening 36 aof mark transfer tape T to the head main body 30 in a part thereof. Theborn portion 35 is slidably supported on the bearing portion 36, and thehead main body 30 is freely rotatable about the axial center in aspecified rotating angle range described below.

[0100] The rotary operation portion 32 is to determine the rotatingdirection position of the head main body 30, and also serves as headposition indicator to show the tape pressing and transferring positionof the head main body 30.

[0101] The rotary operation portion 32 is a circular bar, and has anoperation lever 45 including an operation knob 45 a disposed at itsleading end as a principal unit. The operation lever 45 is extendedlinearly outward in the radial direction from the axial center of theborn portion 35, and projects to the outside of the case 2, through aslit inserting portion 46 and an operation guide portion 47 disposed atcorresponding positions in the bearing portion 36 and case 2. In thiscase, the inserting portion 45 of the bearing portion 36 functions as alocking portion of the head main body 30 to prevent it from slipping outin the axial direction.

[0102] The location of the operation lever 45 in the rotating directionwith respect to the head main body 30 is set in relation to the tapepressing and transferring position of the head main body 30, and theslit inserting portion 46 and operation guide portion 47 are extended inthe peripheral direction so as to allow moving of the operation lever 45in the rotating direction of the head main body 30. In particular, theoperation guide portion 47 of the case 2 defines the operating range inthe rotating direction of the operation lever 45, and is configured tocontrol the tape pressing and transferring position of the head mainbody 30.

[0103] The relation of the operation lever 45 and the tape pressing andtransferring position of the head main body 30 is explained with respectto the operation guide portion 47. In the shown embodiment, theconfiguration of the operation guide portion 47 as the operation rangedefining portion in the rotating direction is set follows, referring toFIGS. 6A-6C.

[0104] (a) When the operation lever 45 is in contact with one end 47 aof the operation guide portion 47, that is, in the vertical downwardposition (first defined position A shown in FIG. 6A), the head main body30 of the transfer head H is located at an angular position for guidingits leading end pressing portion 25 so that the mark transfer tape T maybe nearly opposite to the gripping surfaces 2 a, 2 b of the case 2, thatis, the face and back sides of the mark transfer tape T may be directednearly in the same direction as (parallel to) the gripping surfaces 2 a,2 b .

[0105] In this case, the new mark transfer tape T rolled out from thepay-out reel 11 is at the lower side of the head main body 30, and is ina state suited to use by lateral pull by a right-handed user (see FIG.7A).

[0106] (b) When the operation lever 45 is at an intermediate positionbetween both ends 47 a, 47 b of the operation guide portion 47, that is,in the horizontal downward position (second defined position B shown inFIG. 6B), the head main body 30 of the transfer head H is located at anangular position for guiding its leading end pressing portion 25 so thatthe mark transfer tape T may remain in wound state on the pay-out reel11 and take-up reel 12, that is, the face and back sides of the marktransfer tape T may be directed nearly in a nearly vertical direction(orthogonal) to the gripping surfaces 2 a, 2 b.

[0107] In this case, the new mark transfer tape T rolled out from thepay-out reel 11 is at the left side of the head main body 30, and is ina state suited to use by vertical pull (see FIG. 7B).

[0108] (c) When the operation lever 45 is in contact with other end 47 bof the operation guide portion 47, that is, in the vertical upwardposition (third defined position C shown in 16C), the head main body 30of the transfer head H is located at an angular position for guiding itsleading end pressing portion 25 so that the mark transfer tape T may benearly opposite to the gripping surfaces 2 a, 2 b of the case 2, in theupside down state of the case (a) above.

[0109] In this case, the new mark transfer tape T rolled out from thepay-out reel 11 is at the upper side of the head main body 30, and is ina state suited to use by lateral pull by a left-handed user (see FIG.7C).

[0110] As clear from the description above, the direction of theoperation lever 45 directly and visually shows the opposite direction ofthe new mark transfer tape T (function as head position indicator), andthe user can confirm the tape pressing and transferring position of thehead main body 30 by referring to the direction of the operation lever45.

[0111] The rotating direction operating range of the operation guideportion 47 (nearly 180° at maximum in shown example) can be set invarious desired values from a small angle range to a large angle rangein consideration of relation between the operation lever 45 and the tapepressing and transferring position of the head main body 30.

[0112] Using the mark transfer tool 1 having such configuration, totransfer the transfer mark on the mark transfer tape onto a desiredtransfer area 50 on a sheet of paper or the like, whether the user isright-handed or left-handed as mentioned above, the operation lever 45can be rotated according to the purpose, and an optimum tape pressingand transferring position of the head main body 30 of the transfer headH (typically, first defined position A shown in 16A, second definedposition B shown in 16B, or third defined position C shown in 16C) canbe selected and set, and corresponding to this position, the case 2 canbe gripped by fingers on the gripping surfaces (standard grippingsurfaces are face and back sides 2 a, 2 b of the case 2, but properpositions or sides of the case 2 may be gripped depending on thepurpose), so that various methods of use, for example, as shown in FIG.7A to FIG. 7C may be possible.

[0113] That is, in any method of use, the gripping surfaces of the case2 are held like holding a writing tool, and the leading end pressingportion 25 of the transfer head H is pressed tightly to the transferstart end of the transfer area 50 on a sheet of paper or the like, andthe case 2 is moved along the sheet of paper by a specified distance andstopped.

[0114] More specifically, in a complete state of previous mark transfermove, the transfer head H is pressed tightly to the transfer start endon the transfer area 50, and the case 2 is directly moved along thesheet of paper, and stopped when transfer of one (or plural) transfermarks M is over, and the transfer head H is lifted and separated fromthe transfer area 50.

[0115] By this operation, the transfer mark M of the mark transfer tapeT in the leading end pressing portion 25 of the transfer head H ispeeled from the base tape 15, and transferred onto the correction area50, and the used mark transfer tape T after the transfer mark M ispeeled off, that is, the base tape 15 is taken up and collected on thetake-up reel 12.

[0116] Since the mark transfer tool 1 of the embodiment has a cartridgestructure for exchanging the mark transfer tape T, various transfermarks M, M, . . . depending on the purpose of use can be transferred andused by preparing a plurality of tape cartridges C having mark transfertapes T of plural types of transfer marks M, M, . . . .

Embodiment 2

[0117] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, in which the structureof the mark transfer tape T in embodiment 1 is modified.

[0118] That is, in the mark transfer tape T of embodiment 1, thetransfer mark layer 16 is formed continuously in the overall length ofthe base tape 15, but in the mark transfer tape T of this embodiment, asshown in FIGS. 8A-8C, transfer marks M, M, . . . for composing thetransfer mark layer 16 are adhered and held on the surface of the basetape 15 independently and peelably at specific intervals.

[0119] In such configuration, same as in the transfer operationexplained in embodiment 1, in a complete state of previous mark transfermove, the transfer head H is pressed tightly to the transfer start endon the transfer area 50, and the case 2 is directly moved along thesheet of paper, and stopped when transfer of one (or plural) transfermarks M is over, and the transfer head H is lifted and separated fromthe transfer area 50.

[0120] By this operation, only one transfer mark M on the mark transfertape T is peeled securely from the base tape 15, and transferred ontothe correction area 50.

[0121] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment1.

Embodiment 3

[0122] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, in which the structureof the mark transfer tape T in embodiment 1 is modified.

[0123] That is, in the mark transfer tape T of this embodiment, same asin the mark transfer tape T of embodiment 1, although the transfer marklayer 16 is formed continuously in the overall length of the base tape15, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, at least two cut lines 55, 55 are formed ata specified interval between transfer marks M, M of the transfer marklayer 16, so that it is easier and secure to cut when transferring thetransfer marks M.

[0124] In the shown embodiment, two cut lines 55, 55 are provided in themiddle of the transfer marks M, M at a specific interval. These cutlines 55, 55 are formed as being extended straightly in the longitudinaldirection of the transfer tape T in the over all length of the transfermark width 16. The interval L of the cut lines 55, 55 is set larger thanthe pressing width 1 of the leading end pressing portion 25 of thetransfer head H (L>1).

[0125] In such configuration, same as in the transfer operationexplained in embodiment 1, in a complete state of previous mark transfermove, the transfer head H is pressed tightly to the transfer start endon the transfer area 50, and the case 2 is directly moved along thesheet of paper, and stopped when transfer of one (or plural) transfermarks M is over, and the transfer head H is lifted and separated fromthe transfer area 50. In this case, the stopping position of the marktransfer tool 1 is at a position where the leading end pressing portion25 of the transfer head H is between the two cut lines 55, 55.

[0126] By this operation, only one transfer mark M on the mark transfertape T is peeled securely from the base tape 15 at the cut line 55, andtransferred onto the correction area 50, and the cut-off line isstraight.

[0127] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment1.

Embodiment 4

[0128] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, in which the structureof the mark transfer tape T in embodiment 3 is modified.

[0129] That is, in the mark transfer tape T of embodiment 3, althoughtwo cut lines 55, 55 are formed at a specified interval only betweentransfer marks M, M of the transfer mark layer 16, but in the marktransfer tape T of this embodiment, multiple cut lines 5, 5, . . . areprovided in the transfer mark layer 16 over the entire length atspecific intervals.

[0130] In this configuration, in the manufacturing process of the marktransfer tape T, cut lines 5, 5, . . . can be formed more easily andsecurely than in embodiment 3.

[0131] In transfer operation, only one transfer mark M on the marktransfer tape T is transferred onto the correction area 50, and thecut-off line is straight, same as in embodiment 3, but in this case,moreover, the stopping position condition of the mark transfer tool 1 isless strict than in embodiment 3, and by lifting the mark transfer tool1 when the leading end pressing portion 25 of the head H is at anarbitrary position between the transfer marks M, M, the transfer mark Mis securely peeled from the base tape 15 at the cut line 55 position,and transferred on the correction area 50, so that it is easier andsecure to cut off when transferring the transfer mark M.

[0132] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment3.

Embodiment 5

[0133] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 11A-10C and FIGS. 12A-12C, inwhich the specific structure of the mark transfer tape T in embodiment 1is slightly modified.

[0134] That is, in the mark transfer tape T of embodiments 1 and 2, thetransfer mark M is composed of marks only (in the shown example, only amark composed of alphabetic letters “SEED”) whereas in the mark transfertape T of the embodiment, as shown, the transfer mark M is composed ofmarks Ma and blank spaces Mb for overwriting.

[0135] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11B, mark Ma is a designedmark “FAXED”, and blank space Mb for overwriting is a blank space ofspecified shape and dimension (inside of elliptical frame) combined withmark Ma “FAXED”, this blank space Mb is for writing the date.

[0136] The mark Ma and blank space Mb form a mark array layer 18 oftransfer mark layer 16 same as in embodiment 1.

[0137] That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, the mark array layer 18 iscomposed of multiple marks (marks “FAXED” and elliptical blank spacesfor overwriting) M′, M′, M′, . . . arranged continuously and peelably atspecified intervals in the running direction of the base tape 15, andthese marks M′, M′, M′, . . . are formed on the mark forming layer 17 byknown printing technology as mentioned above.

[0138] The mark forming layer 17 has not only basic functions mentionedabove (forming function of mark array layer 18 and adhering and holdingfunction of transfer mark layer 16), but also a function of allowingoverwriting by a ball-point pen or other writing tool 60 on the blankspace Mb as surface forming portion of the transfer mark layer 16 aftertransfer of transfer mark M.

[0139] For this purpose, the mark forming layer 17 is made of a materialcapable of exhibiting such functions. The mark forming layer 17 of theembodiment is preferably made of a transparent resin material of drytype suited to the surface layer after parting and allowing to overwriteby writing tool 60, and having a certain adhesion holding property onthe surface of the base tape 15 treated to be peelable.

[0140] In the mark transfer tool 1 having such configuration, by thesame transfer operation as explained in embodiment 1, after the transfermark M on the mark transfer tape T is transferred on the transfer area50, a desired character (in the shown case, the date) can be written bywriting tool 60 on the blank space Mb of the transfer mark M.

[0141] Thus, the transfer mark M is composed of mark Ma and blank spaceMb for overwriting, and therefore it is possible to write on a materialnot to be written directly by writing tool 60 or on a material not to beerased cleanly if once written.

[0142] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment1.

[0143] Other specific examples of transfer mark M (mark Ma and blankspace Mb) are shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C.

[0144] In FIG. 12B, same as shown above, the mark Ma and blank space Mbare combined, in which {circle over (1)} is a mark composed of a mark Ma“RECEIVED/with thanks/SEED” enclosed in a rectangular frame, and arectangular writing space Mb made beneath the mark Ma “RECEIVED/withthanks/SEED”, and this blank space for overwriting Mb is to be filledwith the date.

[0145] In {circle over (2)}, mark Ma is a rectangular frame having sevenrectangular cells formed of thick lines and fine lines, as blank spacesfor overwriting Mb, formed within the frame, and the seven cells of theblank spaces Mb are filled with the Japanese postal code number(consisting of seven numerals).

[0146] In FIG. 12C, on the other hand, mark Ma and blank space Mb areset side by side, in which {circle over (1)} is a mark Ma “Tel:”followed by a blank space Mb for writing a telephone number.

[0147] {circle over (2)} is a mark Ma “Fax:” followed by a blank spaceMb for writing a facsimile number.

[0148] {circle over (3)} is a mark Ma “Email:” followed by a blank spaceMb for writing an e-mail address.

Embodiment 6

[0149] This embodiment is shown in FIG. 13, in which the basic structureof the mark transfer tool 1 is modified.

[0150] That is, in the mark transfer tool 1 of the foregoingembodiments, the mark transfer tape T as a consumable part is anexchangeable cartridge type, that is, refill type, whereas thisembodiments presents a one-time disposable type, that is, all componentparts including the mark transfer tape T are consumable parts.

[0151] In the mark transfer tool 1 of the embodiment, in a hand-heldcase 2, a pay-out reel 11 on which a mark transfer tape T is wound, anda take-up reel 12 for collecting the mark transfer tape T after use areinstalled, and a transfer head H is disposed at the leading end of thecase 2 so as to be rotatable about its head axial center. The specificstructure of the transfer head H is same as in embodiment 1, except forits mounting position.

[0152] Although not shown specifically, in the case main body 4 of thecase 2, aside from the pay-out reel 11 and take-up reel 12, a tapeinterlock unit for mutually interlocking these reels 11, 12, a clutchmechanism for synchronizing the pay-out speed and take-up speed of themark transfer tape T by the pay-out reel 11 and take-up reel 12, andother principal and basic mechanical parts are also assembled in a unit.

[0153] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment1.

Embodiment 7

[0154] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, in which the structureof the mark transfer tape T is modified. That is, in the mark transfertape T of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, a transfer tapelayer 16 to be adhered and held on the surface side (lower side in FIG.14B and FIG. 14C) of a base tape 15 is an integral laminate structureconsisting of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19 and a mark arraylayer 18.

[0155] In the embodiment, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19 alsofunctions as the mark forming layer 17 in embodiment 1, and the markarray layer 18is printed and formed on the surface of this mark forminglayer 17.

[0156] Thus laminated transfer mark layer 16 is, as shown, adhered andheld on the surface of the base tape 15 treated for parting (the lowerside in FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C) peelably and separably through thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19.

[0157] In a specific forming method of the transfer mark layer 16, thepressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19 is applied and formed on thesurface of the base tape 15, and the mark array layer 18 is printed andformed on the surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19.

[0158] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment1.

Embodiment 8

[0159] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, in which the structureof the mark transfer tape T is modified.

[0160] That is, in the mark transfer tape T of this embodiment, as shownin FIGS. 15A-15C, a transfer tape layer 16 to be adhered and held on thesurface side (lower side in FIG. 15B and FIG. 15C) of a base tape 15 isan integral laminate structure consisting of a mark array layer 18 and apressure-sensitive adhesive layer 19, and the mark forming layer 17 inthe mark transfer tape T in embodiment 1 is omitted.

[0161] In other words, the mark array layer 18 is directly printed andformed on the parting treated surface of the base tape 15, and whentransferring a mark, therefore, the mark array layer 18 is peeled fromthe surface of the base tape 15, and directly forms the surface layer.

[0162] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment1.

Embodiment 9

[0163] This embodiment is shown in FIGS. 16A-16C, in which the structureof the mark transfer tape T is slightly modified.

[0164] That is, in the mark transfer tape T of this embodiment, as shownin FIGS. 16A-16C, the surface side (lower side in FIG. 16B and FIG. 16C)of a base tape 15 is treated to be adhesive 110, and a mark array layer18 is directly printed and formed on this surface. When transferring amark, therefore, the mark array layer 18 is peeled from the surface ofthe base tape 15, and directly forms the surface layer.

[0165] The other configuration and operation are same as in embodiment8.

[0166] The foregoing embodiments 1 to 9 are only preferred embodimentsfor carrying out the invention, and the invention is not limited bythem, but can be changed and modified in various forms within its scope.

[0167] For example, the mark transfer tool 1 may be realized by otherspecific structure. The transfer head H in the shown embodiments has aso-called rotary head structure having the head main body 30 heldrotatably about its axial center, and can be used in various tapepressing and transferring positions as shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 7C, butit may be also realized by a so-called fixed head structure which ispermitted to be used only in one of these tape pressing and transferringpositions.

[0168] As described herein, the mark transfer tool of the invention is amark transfer tool for transferring a transfer mark on a mark transfertape on a sheet of paper or the like, comprising a hand-held case, apay-out reel containing a mark transfer tape, being rotatably installedin the case, a take-up reel for collecting the used mark transfer tape,being rotatably installed in the case, and a transfer head for pressingand transferring the mark transfer tape being paid out from the pay-outreel onto the transfer area, being disposed at the leading end of thecase, in which the mark transfer tape has pressure-sensitive adhesivetransfer marks disposed and held continuously at specific intervalspeelably on the surface of a base tape, and therefore various markscomposed of characters, codes, patterns or their combination can betransferred by a completely new mark transfer technology different fromthe conventional mark transfer technology such as stamp impression ormark seal adhesion, so that diversified preferences of general users canbe effectively satisfied.

[0169] That is, when transferring a transfer mark on the mark transfertape on a desired transfer area of a sheet of paper or the like by usingthe mark transfer tool of the invention, the case is gripped by fingers,and the leading end pressing portion of the transfer head is tightlypressed to the transfer area, and is moved along the sheet of paper, sothat the transfer mark is transferred. That is, the mark transfer tapeafter use from which the transfer mark is peeled, that is, the base tapeis taken up and collected on the take-up reel.

[0170] When the transfer mark is composed of marks and blank spaces foroverwriting, after transferring the transfer mark, characters can bewritten over the blank space by writing tool.

[0171] Further, when blank spaces for overwriting are provided in thetransfer marks, it is possible to write on a material not to be writtendirectly by writing tool or on a material not to be erased cleanly ifonce written.

[0172] Exemplary embodiments presented in the detailed description ofthe invention above are intended to disclose the technical features ofthe invention, and it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to those illustrated embodiments alone but is interpreted in awider sense of meaning, and that various changes and modifications maybe effected without departing from the scope or true spirit of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mark transfer tool for transferring a transfermark on a mark transfer tape on a sheet of paper or the like,comprising: a hand-held case, a pay-out reel containing a mark transfertape, being rotatably installed in the case, a take-up reel forcollecting the used mark transfer tape, being rotatably installed in thecase, and a transfer head for pressing and transferring the marktransfer tape being paid out from the pay-out reel onto the transferarea, being disposed at the leading end of the case, wherein said marktransfer tape has pressure-sensitive adhesive transfer marks disposedand held continuously at specific intervals peelably on the surface of abase tape.
 2. The mark transfer tool of claim 1, wherein a transfer marklayer composed of multiple transfer marks is adhered and held peelablyat the surface side of the base tape of which back side is treated forparting.
 3. The mark transfer tool of claim 1, wherein a transfer marklayer composed of multiple transfer marks is adhered and held peelablyand separably at the surface side of the base tape of which back side istreated for parting.
 4. The mark transfer tool of claim 3, wherein atleast two cut lines are provided at a specific interval between thetransfer marks of the transfer mark layer, and these cut lines areextended and formed straightly over the entire width of the transfermark layer.
 5. The mark transfer tool of claim 3, wherein multiple cutlines are provided at a specific interval over the entire length of thetransfer mark layer, and these cutlines are extended and formedstraightly over the entire width of the transfer mark layer.
 6. The marktransfer tool of claim 4 or 5, wherein the disposing interval of the cutlines is set larger than the pressing width of the leading end pressingportion of the transfer head.
 7. The mark transfer tool of claim 1,wherein said transfer mark is composed of various marks only.
 8. Themark transfer tool of claim 1, wherein said transfer mark is composed ofvarious marks and blank spaces for overwriting.
 9. The mark transfertool of claim 8, wherein at least the surface forming portion of theblank space for overwriting in the transfer mark is made of a materialallowing to overwrite by a writing tool.
 10. A mark transfer tape loadedand used in a mark transfer tool for transferring a transfer mark on asheet of paper or the like, wherein pressure-sensitive adhesive transfermarks are disposed and held on the surface of a base tape continuouslyand peelable at a specified interval.
 11. The mark transfer tape ofclaim 10, a transfer mark layer composed of multiple transfer marks isadhered and held peelably at the surface side of the base tape of whichback side is treated for parting.
 12. The mark transfer tape of claim10, wherein a transfer mark layer composed of multiple transfer marks isadhered and held peelably and separably at the surface side of the basetape of which back side is treated for parting.
 13. The mark transfertape of claim 12, wherein at least two cut lines are provided at aspecific interval between the transfer marks of the transfer mark layer,and these cut lines are extended and formed straightly over the entirewidth of the transfer mark layer.
 14. The mark transfer tape of claim12, wherein multiple cut lines are provided at a specific interval overthe entire length of the transfer mark layer, and these cut lines areextended and formed straightly over the entire width of the transfermark layer.
 15. The mark transfer tape of claim 13 or 14, wherein thedisposing interval of the cut lines is set larger than the pressingwidth of the leading end pressing portion of a transfer head of the marktransfer tool.
 16. The mark transfer tape of claim 13 or 14, whereinsaid transfer mark layer is formed by integrally laminating apressure-sensitive adhesive layer made of a pressure-sensitive adhesivetransparent material, and a mark array layer having multiple marksarranged continuously at specific intervals in the running direction ofthe base tape, and the transfer mark layer is adhered and held peelablyand separably on the parting treated surface of the base tape throughthe pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
 17. The mark transfer tape ofclaim 13 or 14, wherein said transfer mark layer is formed by integrallylaminating a mark forming layer made of an adhesive transparentmaterial, a mark array layer having multiple marks arranged continuouslyat specific intervals in the running direction of the base tape, and apressure-sensitive adhesive layer made of a pressure-sensitive adhesivetransparent material, and this transfer mark layer is adhered and heldpeelably and separably on the parting treated surface of the base tapethrough the mark forming layer.
 18. The mark transfer tape of claim 13or 14, wherein said transfer mark layer is formed by integrallylaminating a mark array layer having multiple marks arrangedcontinuously at specific intervals in the running direction of the basetape, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer made of apressure-sensitive adhesive transparent material, and this transfer marklayer is adhered and held on the parting treated surface of the basetape peelably and separably through the mark array layer.
 19. The marktransfer tape of claim 13 or 14, wherein said transfer mark layer isformed by integrally laminating a mark array layer having multiple marksarranged continuously at specific intervals in the running direction ofthe base tape, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer made of apressure-sensitive adhesive transparent material, and this transfer marklayer is adhered and held on the adhesion treated surface of the basetape peelably and separably through the mark array layer.
 20. The marktransfer tape of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein said transfer markis composed of various marks only.
 21. The mark transfer tape of any oneof claims 10 to 14, wherein said transfer mark is composed of variousmarks and blank spaces for overwriting, and the surface forming portionof the transfer mark is made of a material allowing to overwrite by awriting tool.